Secretive bubble-nester. The male builds the nest under an overhang or in a cavity (a half coconut or flowerpot in the aquarium), or under leaves or roots. The female carries the eggs to the nest; afterwards she is driven off and the male guards eggs and fry.
A conditioned pair in a quiet tank.
40 L planted tank with leaf-litter and floating plants, soft water.
Live foods and a warm water change.
About 100-200 whitish eggs laid in batches over 1-12 hours; they hatch in about 2 days (48-60 hours). Fry need microscopic food for 3-5 days, then Artemia nauplii or microworm, and are independent about a week after spawning.
Infusoria then baby brine shrimp.
One breeding tank for the spotted gourami, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 23–26 °C · pH 5.5–7 · soft water
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 5 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.
A 120 cm rack for breeding the spotted gourami in numbers.
In total: 4 tanks, about 240 L of water. A litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so check that the floor and rack can take the weight.
Sizes are worked out from the breeding tank in the guide. Tanks fit a standard 120 cm rack when they can; bigger tanks go on their own stands.
Males are larger and more colourful than females and grow extended pelvic and unpaired fins.
Typical for bubble-nest builders
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
The male wraps the female and places eggs in the nest. Remove the female after spawning.
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours. The male catches falling fry and returns them to the nest.
Remove the male. Feed infusoria and keep the air above the water warm and humid.
Move on to baby brine shrimp and microworms. Change small amounts of water daily.
Males start fighting at about 8 weeks and need their own jars.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.